Core Mythemes in Classical Drama - Structuralism

Mythemes, as fundamental narrative units, are deeply embedded in the fabric of Classical drama. These archetypal patterns, often rooted in myth and folklore, provide the underlying structures for the complex plots and character arcs we encounter in the works of playwrights like Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus.

Core Mythemes in Classical Drama

While the specific manifestations vary widely, certain mythemes recur with notable frequency:

The Hero's Journey or Epic: This is perhaps the most recognisable mytheme, present in countless stories across cultures. In Classical drama, it often involves a protagonist who undergoes a series of trials and adventures, facing both internal and external challenges. Oedipus Rex, for example, is a quintessential example of this mytheme.

Hubris and Nemesis: This mytheme explores the downfall of a character due to excessive pride. Figures like Creon in Antigone and Agamemnon in Agamemnon exemplify this tragic flaw leading to their ultimate destruction.

The Oracle and Fate: The concept of destiny, often revealed through prophecies or oracles, is a central element in many Classical dramas. Characters grapple with the inevitability of their fate, leading to complex moral and ethical dilemmas.

The Family Curse: This mytheme often involves a dynasty or family lineage plagued by misfortune or tragedy. The House of Atreus, as depicted in the Oresteia trilogy, is a prime example of a family cursed by violence and retribution.

The Outsider: Characters who are marginalised or excluded from society often play significant roles in Classical drama. Their perspectives challenge the status quo and expose societal flaws. Medea, for example, is an outsider who seeks revenge against a patriarchal society.
Mythemes and Dramatic Structure

Mythemes not only shape the plot but also contribute to the dramatic structure. They can create suspense, tension, and catharsis. The interplay between characters and their roles within the mythemes drives the action and emotional impact of the play.
The Evolution of Mythemes

It's important to note that mythemes are not static entities. They evolve and adapt over time, reflecting the changing values and concerns of different cultures and periods. In Classical drama, these mythemes were often intertwined with religious and philosophical beliefs, creating a rich and complex tapestry of meaning.

Mytheme Analysis of Some Plays 

Mythemes in Euripides' The Bacchae

Euripides' The Bacchae is a rich tapestry of mythological themes and archetypes. These themes, or "mythemes," provide a deeper understanding of the play's central conflicts and explore universal human experiences.

Here are some of the prominent mythemes found in The Bacchae:

1. The Power of the Divine

Dionysos as a Force of Nature: The god Dionysos is depicted as a powerful, uncontrollable force of nature. His ability to inspire madness, ecstasy, and violence highlights the overwhelming power of the divine and its potential to disrupt human order.

Human Hubris: The play explores the theme of human hubris, as King Pentheus defies the power of Dionysos and ultimately faces tragic consequences.

2. The Inevitability of Fate

The Oracle's Prophecy: The oracle's prophecy foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold, emphasizing the inevitability of fate and the limits of human agency.

The Cycle of Violence: The Bacchae suggests that violence and suffering are cyclical, repeating themselves throughout history.

3. The Conflict Between Civilisation and Nature

The City vs. the Wilderness: The play contrasts the ordered, civilised world of Thebes with the wild, untamed nature associated with Dionysos. This conflict reflects the tension between human control and the forces of nature.

The Loss of Control: Pentheus' attempt to control the Bacchic revelry ultimately leads to his downfall, suggesting that humans cannot fully control the natural world or their own passions.

4. The Power of Female Sexuality and Madness

The Maenads: The female followers of Dionysos, the Maenads, are depicted as frenzied, ecstatic figures who embody the power of female sexuality and madness. Their behaviour challenges traditional notions of femininity and social order.

The Threat to Patriarchy: The Maenads' power and their ability to inspire violence pose a threat to the patriarchal order established by Pentheus.

5. The Role of the Outsider

Dionysos as a Stranger: Dionysos is initially seen as an outsider to Theban society, a foreigner who brings with him a different way of life. His presence challenges the established social norms and values.

The Outsider's Perspective: The play offers a perspective on Theban society from the outside, allowing the audience to critically examine its values and assumptions.

Mythemes in Aeschylus' Seven Against Thebes

Aeschylus' "Seven Against Thebes" is a tragedy that explores several key themes:

1. Fate and Free Will: The play delves into the conflict between fate and individual choices. The characters are driven by their destinies, often leading to tragic outcomes. However, their actions and decisions also play a role in shaping their fates.

2. The Curse of Oedipus: The play is deeply rooted in the curse of Oedipus, which continues to plague his family and Thebes. This curse highlights the destructive power of family feuds and the consequences of past actions.

3. Civil War and Fratricide: The central conflict of the play is the civil war between the two brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices, who are fighting for control of Thebes. This theme explores the destructive nature of internal conflict and the tragic consequences of family disputes.

4. The Role of the Gods: The gods play a significant role in the play, both influencing the events and commenting on human actions. This theme raises questions about the nature of divine power and the relationship between gods and mortals.

5. The Nature of Leadership: The play examines the qualities of effective leadership and the dangers of hubris. The characters' actions and decisions reveal the complexities of leadership and the potential consequences of misguided ambition

References

Barthes, R., & Duisit, L. (1975). An Introduction to the Structural Analysis of Narrative. New Literary History, 6(2), 237–272. https://doi.org/10.2307/468419 https://www.jstor.org/stable/468419

Prince, G. (1982). Narrative Analysis and Narratology. New Literary History, 13(2), 179–188. https://doi.org/10.2307/468908 https://www.jstor.org/stable/468908

Todorov, T., & Weinstein, A. (1969). Structural Analysis of Narrative. NOVEL: A Forum on Fiction, 3(1), 70–76. https://doi.org/10.2307/1345003 https://www.jstor.org/stable/1345003

Dundes, A. (1997). Binary Opposition in Myth: The Propp/Lévi-Strauss Debate in Retrospect. Western Folklore, 56(1), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.2307/1500385  https://www.jstor.org/stable/1500385

THE EVOLUTION OF MYTHS on JSTOR

The Raw and the Cooked : Claude Levi-Strauss - Internet Archive

Structuralism | Definition, Characteristics, & Facts | Britannica